Meaning & Definition of Idly in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: In a way that is lazy or without purpose.

  Example Sentence: He spent the afternoon idly watching television.

• Definition: Without taking action or being engaged.

  Example Sentence: They idly sat by while the debate continued.

Etymology

Origin: From the adjective 'idle', meaning inactive or lazy, combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• idly by: In a passive or inactive manner, without intervening.

Translations

• Spanish: sin hacer nada

• French: inactivity

• German: liederlich

• Russian: в праздности

Related Words

• idle: inactive or not engaged in work.

• indolent: wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

• inactive: not engaging in or involving activity.

Slang Meanings of idly

• Meaning: Chilling or relaxing in a way that avoids productivity.

  Example Sentence: I was just idly chilling at home all weekend.